Saturday, September 13, 2008

PRAY FOR CIVIL LEADERS


I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.
Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf,
and give thanks for them.

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority
so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives
marked by godliness and dignity.

This is good and pleases God our Savior.
I Timothy 2:1-3 NLT
~~~~~~~

During political elections, and for that matter most other times as well, it is common to speak disparagingly of political leaders and aspiring politicians, especially those of the “other” party. Political discussions can get downright nasty to the point of destroying friendships. As Christians we need to guard against falling into that sort of attitude. “For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Romans 13:1 NLT

No candidate or elected official is going to be perfect, measured by God's standards. They will have some policies and values with which we do not agree. And even the people we feel the most comfortable with most likely do not fully measure up. So as we chose for whom to cast our vote, it will come down to choosing the lesser of two evils. This requires that we be informed concerning the candidate’s stand and what biblical principles have to say on the issues. Instead of belittling and maligning candidates or elected officials, whether local, state or national, we need to treat them with respect, even those with whom we differ.

This week’s Scripture says we are to pray for all in authority – that would mean regardless whether they promote godly policies or not. We are to intercede for them and ask God to help them “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” That sort of “support” is good and pleases God.

Let’s Pray-
Father, thank you, that we are blessed with a government instead of anarchy. We pray that it would please you to grant us leaders who govern righteously. Help us to do our part to bring that about.
Amen

“HOW OFTEN DO YOU PRAY FOR OUR NATION?” Click the response which best fits you. The POLL appears at the upper right side of this Blog, - Please cast your vote.


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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes, politics is dirty but I always remember the bible's exhortation that we submit to those whom God placed in authority over us. Your article reinforces my submission to our leaders in all areas of our lives - government, church and office.
Weny Conti

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the reminder ... but can I complain and be judgemental in the same statement?...Some politicians seem to require more of our prayers than do others! 8-)